A New COVID-19 modelling tool has been revealed at Expo 2020 Dubai, aimed to ensure the safety of all visitors.
The tool has been developed by Khalifa University in collaboration with the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
Called the 'Expo 2020 model', the tool will be used to assess simulation scenarios, through the expected number of visitors and the knowledge of the pandemic dynamics.
With the help of the model, health authorities can predict the impact on the healthcare sector, assess the capacity needed and generate the best healthcare solutions for residents and visitors, if there is an increase in the cases.
The results are displayed on an interactive dashboard that allows the end-user to change key parameters and observe the real-time impact of the pandemic.
The researchers that developed the tool are Dr Jorge Rodriguez Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr Mauricio Patton, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Dr Juan Acuna, Professor and Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Khalifa University.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai said, “The health and safety of all visitors, participants and staff is Expo's number one priority. The pandemic has put this commitment even more sharply into focus, and we have worked tirelessly across the organisation to ensure we follow the latest guidance and collaborate closely with local and international authorities, including the UAE's world-class health authorities. The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi's pioneering epidemiological modelling tool will be an invaluable resource to help continue Expo 2020 Dubai’s mission to safeguard the wellbeing of every person who visits our exceptional exhibition, and we will continue to monitor and adjust our measures as necessary.”